Goa Plans to Ban Swimming in Its Beaches after Sunset

Going on an ocean swim is probably one of the first things you should do when you visit Goa. And going on a swim in the darkness of the night only adds to the adventure quotient. But a new rule may ban such adventures.

What’s more adventurous than heading out into the sea from the scenic sandy shores of a Goan beach and swimming in the open waters? Doing the same thing, but after the sun sets. Unfortunately, the actions of a few may affect the rest of us, with the Goa government planning a ban on swimming in the sea after sunset. The tourism department of the state of sun and sand is considering a new law that would make it illegal to go swimming when you are drunk and after dusk. The move came after there were some incidents of people who drowned in the waters of the Arabian Sea. ALSO READ: Best beaches in Goa: 22 stunning beaches in Goa you must visit

How often are these incidents reported? Just last week, two students died after they decided to go for a swim in the waters off the coast of Candolim Beach at night. Days before this, two more died in separate incidents but for the same reason: they went off for a swim in the waters along the strip of sand from Candolim to Calangute, a popular spot for tourists, in the dark of the night. In the wake of these incidents, a privately-run lifeguard agency warned against swimming in the waters of the Arabian Sea, still choppy in the final phases of the southwest monsoon and always dangerous.

The incidents were unfortunate and could have been avoided, and the state’s reaction to the incident, from the face of it, is justified. Tourism minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said that they reflect badly on the reputation of the state, and urged that the tourism department and all other agencies need to act responsibly. He said that the government would issue an ordinance before the tourism season picks up in October, until the final law is passed. CHECK OUT: Your ultimate guide to offbeat Goa: Beyond beaches, parties and booze!

Restaurants, hotels, shacks and all other hospitality establishments have been asked by the government to warn tourists of the risks of swimming at night. Shacks have been asked to put up signboards discouraging drunk swimming, and water sports, tour and taxi operators have been told to spread word as well.